A clear or pigmented liquid coating composition which, when applied in a thin layer, sets and dries rapidly to form a solid film chiefly by evaporation of the solvent portion of the vehicle. It is composed basically of a cellulose derivative and/or a blend of resins such as vinyl, arcylic, polystyrene, and the like, mixed in a solvent, with or without the addition of plasticizers. Excludes SHELLAC, CUT; PAINT, RUBBER; PAINT, ANTIFOULING; DOPE and all items that are mechanically strippable.